History of Physical Education and Sport: 3000 B.C. – 2000 A.D.

With Philosophical Elements

History of Physical Education and Sport: 3000 B.C. – 2000 A.D.
Athletic competition and physical education endowed ancient Greek society with a youthful spirit — a sense of beauty and strength, activity and dexterity, boldness and intelligence. The study of physical education among the ancient Greeks helps us better understand the educational system for youth, as well as the great emphasis placed on this unique form of education — a phenomenon unparalleled before or since in human history.
Many traditions regarding ancient Greek games have been critically evaluated and compared with archaeological evidence. This academic effort has led to a fresh reassessment of the great games — particularly the Olympic Games — placing them on a new scholarly foundation. Modern humanity has never forgotten the ancient Olympics and the ideals they embodied. Thus, in 1896, the Olympic Games were revived with the aim of promoting noble rivalry, mutual understanding, and reconciliation among nations and people. Since then, and up to the present day, the Olympic Games have continued to be celebrated with grandeur, evolving alongside world history and its defining moments.Contents Include:
 

• Preface
• Physical Education and Sport in Ancient Civilizations
• Minoan and Mycenaean Civilization
• Games, Contests, and Dances in Minoan Crete
• Homeric and Mycenaean Athletic Traditions
• Physical Education in Ancient Greece
• Olympia: Early History
• The Panhellenic Games
• Problems Related to the Olympic Games
• Issues Regarding Athletes and Competitions
• Children's and Women's Games and Contests
• Local Games
• Philosophical Views of Ancient Greek Thinkers on Physical Education and Sport
• Roman Games and Spectacles
• Athletics in Etruscan and Roman Times
• Sport in Byzantium, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance
• The Roots of Modern Physical Education
• Early Efforts to Revive the Olympic Games
• The Revival of the Modern Olympic Games
• The Modern International Olympic Games
• The Winter Olympic Games
• Summary
• Supplementary Material
• Acknowledgements
• Abbreviations
• Bibliography
• Index